Menu
23/04/2010
Tyres Tired Out!
More than a third of drivers in the UK are needlessly increasing their fuel bills and taking extra safety risks by failing to keep their tyres properly inflated.
The advice has been issued by TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation, in the month that average petrol prices reached a new all time high of 119.9p a litre.
TyreSafe estimates that £0.7 billion of fuel is being wasted each year as a result of under-inflation. By keeping tyres inflated to their correct pressure, motorists benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced CO2 emissions.
"The recent rises in petrol prices are hitting drivers hard, yet many are failing to make one very simple check and adjustment that could save them hundreds of pounds over the year," commented Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe.
"By taking just a few minutes once a month to ensure that their tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, many drivers will notice a reduction in their fuel bills, helping to make their motoring safer and more affordable again."
In an extensive survey carried out by one TyreSafe member last year, more than 4,500 cars had their tyre pressures checked during a three-month period.
An alarming 36% were found to be driving with tyres considered to be dangerous as they were under-inflated by more than 8psi.
When tyres run under-inflated their rolling resistance, or the force needed to make them turn, increases.
This means that the engine has to work harder and more fuel is used, making the car less economical. Calculations from another TyreSafe member show that when tyres are under-inflated by just 20% or around 6psi, 3% more fuel is used.
In addition to the extra running costs caused by under-inflation, vehicle safety is also significantly compromised.
Tyres run in this state are much more likely to suffer from a blowout, typically on motorways at high speeds, as excessive heat builds up within the tyre.
Handling and grip are also affected, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour.
(BMcC/GK)
The advice has been issued by TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation, in the month that average petrol prices reached a new all time high of 119.9p a litre.
TyreSafe estimates that £0.7 billion of fuel is being wasted each year as a result of under-inflation. By keeping tyres inflated to their correct pressure, motorists benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced CO2 emissions.
"The recent rises in petrol prices are hitting drivers hard, yet many are failing to make one very simple check and adjustment that could save them hundreds of pounds over the year," commented Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe.
"By taking just a few minutes once a month to ensure that their tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, many drivers will notice a reduction in their fuel bills, helping to make their motoring safer and more affordable again."
In an extensive survey carried out by one TyreSafe member last year, more than 4,500 cars had their tyre pressures checked during a three-month period.
An alarming 36% were found to be driving with tyres considered to be dangerous as they were under-inflated by more than 8psi.
When tyres run under-inflated their rolling resistance, or the force needed to make them turn, increases.
This means that the engine has to work harder and more fuel is used, making the car less economical. Calculations from another TyreSafe member show that when tyres are under-inflated by just 20% or around 6psi, 3% more fuel is used.
In addition to the extra running costs caused by under-inflation, vehicle safety is also significantly compromised.
Tyres run in this state are much more likely to suffer from a blowout, typically on motorways at high speeds, as excessive heat builds up within the tyre.
Handling and grip are also affected, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour.
(BMcC/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 November 2012
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
MPs To Vote On Fuel Rise Delay
MPs will vote on Monday evening on plans to increase fuel duty by 3 pence a litre in January. Labour have said "it would be wrong" to bring the new rise in s soon an want it delayed until at least April. Conservative MPs concerned about the cost of petrol said they believed Chancellor George Osborne was "in listening mode" over the issue.
19 March 2008
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
Countdown For Fuel Payments For Pensioners
Over 60s who haven't yet claimed the Winter Fuel Payment have just days to get in touch with The Pension Service to receive help with energy costs. Pensions Minister Mike O'Brien urged older people to get their claim forms in the post before 28 March. The Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for the over 60s rising to £300 for the over 80s.
07 September 2005
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
Fuel protests threatened
Protestors have threatened to begin blockading refineries next week, if the tax on fuel is not reduced. Andrew Spence, a spokesperson for the Fuel Lobby, warned that the blockades would begin at 6am on September 14, unless price cuts were made.
24 June 2005
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
British Airways announces ticket price rises
British Airways (BA) has announced an increase in fuel surcharge on ticket prices, due to increasing oil price rises. The longhaul fuel surcharge will increase to £48 per return trip, while the surcharge for shorthaul flights will rise to £16 for a return trip, for all tickets purchased from June 27.
08 July 2011
British Gas Set To Raise Energy Prices
British Gas has today begun notifying its customers it will raise domestic tariffs for gas by an average 18%, and for electricity by an average 16%1, on 18 August 2011.
British Gas Set To Raise Energy Prices
British Gas has today begun notifying its customers it will raise domestic tariffs for gas by an average 18%, and for electricity by an average 16%1, on 18 August 2011.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Perhaps a touch of ground frost. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
